Summary

In Chapter 29, Malorie wakes, keeping her eyes closed, on the rowboat. She realizes that the children are rowing for her because she had passed out. Relieved by the fact that the children still have their blindfolds on, Malorie resumes paddling despite her wounds and the mess of blood and vomit at her feet. Chapter 30 begins with Cheryl speaking of how she is the only one to feed the birds and how she likes it because it gives her a chance to go outside. Today though, she heard what she describes as an "abandoned step." Usually when she gets close to the birds, they chirp loudly, but today they were dead silent. Malorie wonders if the world of the creatures is pressing in on them.

In Chapter 31, she continues her pessimistic consideration of the house's status. Since Gary's arrival, the house is divided. Don...